About Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. It's a time for family reunions, moon appreciation, and sharing mooncakes. The festival has a history of over 3,000 years and is one of China's most important traditional holidays.
Families gather to admire the full moon and celebrate its beauty
Traditional pastries with various fillings shared among family and friends
A time for families to gather and celebrate together
Colorful lanterns are displayed and carried during celebrations
History and Significance
The Mid-Autumn Festival has its origins in ancient China's moon worship traditions. It became a major festival during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and reached its peak of popularity during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The festival is associated with the legend of Chang'e, the moon goddess, and her husband Hou Yi, who shot down nine suns to save the Earth.
Early moon worship ceremonies and harvest celebrations.
The festival became a major celebration with moon viewing parties and poetry competitions.
Mooncakes became a traditional food, and lantern displays became popular.
The festival is celebrated worldwide by Chinese communities with modern variations of traditional customs.
Traditional Customs
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with various customs and activities. Families gather for a reunion dinner, share mooncakes, and admire the full moon together. Children carry colorful lanterns, and communities organize lantern displays and cultural performances. The festival is also a time for expressing gratitude and strengthening family bonds.
Moon Appreciation
Families gather outdoors to admire the full moon, which symbolizes completeness and reunion.
Mooncake Sharing
Mooncakes are shared among family members and given as gifts to friends and relatives.
Lantern Displays
Colorful lanterns are displayed in homes and public spaces, and children carry lanterns in parades.
Family Reunion
Families gather for a special dinner and spend time together, strengthening bonds.
Traditional Foods
The Mid-Autumn Festival features several traditional foods that carry deep cultural significance. Each dish has its own symbolic meaning and is an essential part of the festival celebrations.
Mooncakes (月饼)
Traditional pastries with various fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean, and salted egg yolk. The round shape symbolizes completeness and reunion.
Pomelo (柚子)
A citrus fruit traditionally eaten during the festival. Its round shape and sweet taste represent family unity and good fortune.
Osmanthus Wine (桂花酒)
A sweet wine made from fragrant osmanthus flowers, traditionally enjoyed while admiring the full moon with family.
Modern Celebrations
Today's Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations combine traditional customs with modern elements. While families still gather to share mooncakes and admire the moon, cities host large-scale lantern festivals, cultural performances, and food fairs. The festival has also become a popular tourist attraction, with many people traveling to experience the celebrations in different regions of China.
Cities host large-scale lantern displays and cultural performances
Modern variations of mooncakes and traditional foods are showcased
The festival is celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide
Travel Tips
If you're visiting China during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you'll find celebrations in most cities, with the largest events in major metropolitan areas. The best places to experience the festival include Hangzhou's West Lake, Suzhou's classical gardens, and Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, which are known for their spectacular moon views and lantern displays. Book accommodations early as hotels fill up quickly during this period.
Best Locations
Visit cities like Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Hong Kong for the most spectacular moon views and lantern displays.
Planning
Book accommodations and transportation well in advance. The festival attracts large crowds, especially for lantern displays.
Experiences
Don't forget your camera! The moon, lanterns, and celebrations create stunning photo opportunities.